105 Tondo, Manila
We work in HappyLand, Halamana and Aroma.
HappyLand was originally called Hapilan, which originates from the Visayan dialect and translates to smelly trash or dumpsite but was misunderstood by the English-speaking to mean - almost cynically ironic - HappyLand.
Halamana garden or orchard and Aroma aroma or scent follow the naming logic of the neighbouring HappyLand.
Our NGO has been named following the same logic: odoVita short for the Latin phrase meaning
the smell of life or, more poetically, to perceive the sense of life...
Tondo 105
Tondo 105 is one of the poorest and most densely populated slum areas of Manila/Philippines. Home to approximately 29,600 residents living on only a half square kilometer, this area exemplifies the struggle to access healthcare amidst dire economic conditions. The residents of Tondo 105 are highly food insure- many rely on “scavenging garbage” for sustenance.
R. Hartel for odoVita
R. Hartel for odoVita
Health in HappyLand
Navigating the health sector to access diagnosis and treatment for any disease is challenging for families living in informal urban settlements.
odoVita delivers health services directly within the community to ensure easy access. We also serve as a conduit, helping people navigate and utilize services provided by the government and partnering organizations. Our work aims to dismantle existing barriers, making each step in accessing the continuum of preventive care, diagnostics, and treatment simpler and more manageable.